Criminal Mischief is, for all intents and purposes, "vandalism". In Florida, this property crime may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the extent of damage, the nature of the property involved, and whether the accused person has prior convictions for the same offense.

Minor in possession. Open container violations. Driving under the influence. Minors are particularly susceptible to committing these alcohol-related crimes in peer-driven situations while still underage. Some parents have resigned to the fact that their children will drink regardless of their efforts, and will do everything they can to keep them safe—even if that means breaking the law themselves.

The criminal justice system can be harsh, but some states allow juveniles to face relaxed penalties. In Alabama, a person younger than 21 years old facing criminal charges can seek a youthful offender status. This could mean fewer penalties and the possibility of having a clean criminal record.

Because courts and legislators recognize that minors sometimes lack judgment skills and may have indiscretions in their youth, juveniles are sometimes permitted to seal criminal juvenile records. By sealing or expunging their records, juveniles may be able to get a fresh start when they become adults.

It has been continually shown over the years by developmental psychologists that a child’s peer relationships are essential in proper emotional and social development of an individual. Around the time of puberty, these adolescents begin to become more susceptible to the influence of their friends, and less susceptible to the influence of family or parents.

The disclosure of student records can be important an issue in litigation, including cases involving students and educational matters, child custody and support cases and other areas of civil litigation.

Many people wonder about sealing a juvenile record, especially when they did something that they regret when they were younger. Just like any type of criminal conviction, it could end up making it difficult to move forward in the future.